Hot Topics:

RUNNING: Neely Spence Gracey is top U.S. finisher at World X-C meet

From staff reports

Updated:
03/28/2013 07:04:32 AM EDT

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland - Although the U.S. team missed out on repeating as team bronze medalists, Neely Spence Gracey, a native of Shippensburg, led all American women and placed 13th overall at the 2013 Women's World Cross Country Championships on Sunday.

For her 13th-place finish, Spence was rewarded with an "A" qualifier for the World Championships on the track in the 10,000-meter run.

Spence finished the 8K race Sunday in 25:08, but she was not too far off the top mark. Kenya's Emily Chebet had a stellar finish to surpass Hiwot Ayalew of Ethiopia to take the gold in 24:24.

Spence said her game plan going into the race was simply to be smart. She didn't want to push too hard in the beginning so as not to lose steam. Her main goal, which she clearly exceeded, was to finish in the top 20.

"If there is one thing running has taught me, it's that being adaptable is one of the most critical components of success," Spence said. "Going into the race, every member of team USA analyzed their strengths and we each planned to run the race that would optimize our potential."

Spence said she considers herself a very strong downhill runner, and with four of the loops, she was able to take advantage of those downhill opportunities.

"That is where all my moves were made," Spence said. "The first lap, I nearly ran myself into the lead. That really surprised me, but I just stayed relaxed by focusing on my breathing and my rhythm."

Spence was the top non-African finisher in the field, and she said it was her goal to be the top American, so that also gives her a big confidence booster.

"I'm still amazed by this," Spence said. "It was one of my many goals going in, but to finish a race and have accomplished all the goals is a rare occasion."

Just like in the United States, Spence had to deal with some adverse weather conditions (snow and mud, and cold weather) on the course in Poland, but she said she used her strong adaptability to overcome the setback.

Tough conditions: Neely Spence Gracey, of Shippensburg, places 13th in the 2013 Women s Cross County Championship on Sunday. She was the top non-African finisher, clocking in at 25:08. (Courtesy photo)

"I always embrace tough weather as an advantage," Spence said. "Unless I'm going after a time goal, it becomes all about adapting, and I think that is one of my strengths."

Spence, who turned professional last year, said she "has not been one place for more than 11 days since October."

Her destinations have included Japan, Australia, Poland, Florida, South Carolina, St. Louis, Pennsylvania (for Christmas and her wedding to Dillon Gracey), and her home base in Michigan.

"I am so ready to stop living out of a suitcase," she said.

Next up for Spence is a 5K at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. in three weeks, followed by a 10K at the Stanford Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational in Palo Alto, Calif.

"First, I am taking three days off to recover from this race and travel," Spence said. "Then I have three weeks of solid training, and we are staying in California between races. We have a large group of athletes going, so I'm excited to get on the track and chase some standards and some new PRs."

ODESSA, Texas (AP) — A West Texas man has been charged with impersonating an officer by using sirens and flashing lights to skip to the head of the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Full Story

Sufjan Stevens, "Carrie & Lowell" (Asthmatic Kitty) Plucked strings and pulsing keyboards dominate the distinctive arrangements on Sufjan Stevens' latest album, and in the absence of a rhythm section, they serve to keep time. Full Story